001Right. I'd like to call to order session 226 for the Scranton School Board. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for which it stands. One nation under Godisible with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Jennings roll. >> Mr. Brazil here. >> Mr. Casey. >> Mrs. Chzik. >> Present. >> Mrs. Clearary. I'm sorry. I I had you muted. Dr. Clearary. >> Um, Miss Fox >> present. >> Miss Merkel >> present. >> Mr. Leki >> present. >> Mr. Triano >> present. >> Mr. Borthwick >> here. Uh right now seven present, two absent, but I expect them to be coming on shortly. >> Okay. All right. On this auspicious groundhog day, we have a couple of presentations. >> Okay. >>
002Mrs. Clearary with that. program. The aspiring educators, please. We're going to start with them. Okay. So for tonight's awards and recognitions, we are pleased to welcome members of the Aspiring Educators Pathway Project or AEP from both Scranton High and West Scranton High. AEP is a program for students who are interested in becoming teachers, school counselors, or school-based therapists such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, or social workers. The program provides high school students with hands-on experience in both regular education and special education classrooms within the district with the opportunity to engage with other students in this way. Those who are in the program can gain practical insights to help them decide whether or not a career in education is the right fit for them. Aside from hands-on training opportunities, the students who are in
003this program also get the opportunity to visit local colleges and universities. During these visits, students get to interact with university faculty, students, and staff within their chosen department. The AEP is one step that helps address the current teacher shortage the nation faces. The board would like to recognize the work of these students and their adviserss as well as the importance of a program like this that not only helps solve a problem the Scranton School District and districts across the country face, but also creates an opportunity for students that will help them in their future careers. Hello, my name is Paige Doerty and I'm a senior at Scranton High School and an aspiring teacher. I've been involved in the aspiring educator pathway project for two years and for me it has been nothing short of an
004amazing experience. I am here today with a fellow senior club member Isabelle O'Brien and Alex. The AEP club has allowed us to shadow and observe middle and elementary school classrooms giving us a hands-on feel for what we will be doing in the f future. We also [snorts] took field trips to East Straburg University where we met with professors and education majors to discuss what life in the classroom will look like. We also have an upcoming trip to Marywood being planned. This year, Scranton High's AEP has partnered with Prescott Elementary for observations and SEAL mini lessons, and we are looking forward to this incredible hands-on opportunity. Good evening, Screen School Board. I am Alex Hugh, student at West Scranton High School. Thank you so much for letting me come to this [music] meeting and speak on
005behalf of AA, better known as Aspiring Education Pathway Project. Some may be wondering why I look a mess, and that's because I am a very hard-driven person. I dance five days a week for four plus hours and I'm also in rehearsal for W for West High School production of Frankenstein and my ballet production Don Qote. Okay, enough said about my life story, but tonight I'd like to speak on experiences with traveling with Miss Sego to ESU East Strawber University. Traveling to ESU for the first time ever last year was an experience I will not forget. Walking into it, I thought I was going to be alone and not have friends to talk to on the trip, but I quickly realized that the kids I was surrounded by, like these two, would become friends I will
006have for life. Our first trip to ESU, we meet some of the directors of ESU and also met a lot of the students that are becoming teachers and already in classrooms as a teacher assistant and they absolutely love it. For me, I was definitely unsure about if I want to follow my dream when I was a little from when I was little, which is becoming a teacher and going on this field trip. It made my mind up and made me sure that after I graduate, I would like to become a teacher, either an English teacher or a dance teacher, which I teach right now, and I enjoy it so much. ESU provided us lunch and free merch. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone was everyone was so nice and understanding. We played a bingo
007game where you had to take pictures with the mascot or name alumni and meet the principal of ESU and which was so much fun. you could win an ESU Stanley Cup. And safe to say, I was close to winning, but I didn't. But it's okay because that trip was honestly so rewarding. Let's fast forward to our most recent trip back in November. It was amazing. As we walked in it, it was like a party. It was amazing. Throughout the whole day, me and a couple friends with were with our tour guide and I was already looking into applying at ESU after our first visit. And as I was talking to our tour guide, I asked if they had a dance team in which they do, and they go all the way to Florida performing UDA
008Nationals, won multiple times. Anyways, safe to say that my experience of my trip to ESU was and is something that I will remember in life because it helped me realize what I want to do with my life after high school. Thank you so much for letting me speak about our club and I hope you enjoyed it. Have a great night, everyone. [applause] There. Our next special guest, our Eagle Scout project. So, next we would like to welcome Braden von Anen to the stage. Braden is a senior at North Pocono High School and is a current Eagle Scout candidate. His mother, Kristen von Anen, is an elementary teacher at Electric City Academy Monachello, which is what inspired Braden's E Eagle Scout project. For his project, Braden made a core board for students at Montichello to use
009during recess. A core board is a communication device for students that may be non-verbal or need extra assistance communicating their wants and needs. The back of the board is outfitted with a chalkboard as well, allowing students to draw or write with chalk. Braden also included a digital component to the board for teachers. An iPad is outfitted with a replica of the board that allows teachers to also follow along with what their students are pointing to. Braden raised roughly $500 for materials for this project. With the leftover money, he purchased toys, chalk, and a speaker for students to use during recess as well. Students will begin to use the core board in the spring, but in the meantime, teachers are going are going over the core board with their students in order to help them recognize
010the words and actions on the board and how to use the board. We are so grateful for Braden's generosity and for thinking of the district when building this Eagle Scout project. [applause] Um, I made it because my mom teaches, uh, you know, first through second grade. Um, and a lot of the kids are nonverbal. Um, to bring this outside. Instead of bringing out like 15 to 20 iPads outside, we have the um simple stick that through the district and it we so a student could say I want of course it's not going to work but nothing ever nothing ever works when you want it. But anyway, it does work. Probably it's not hooked up in here, but they can push I want and then it does the same thing. um they could touch it on
011the board and then we'll have it here so we can imitate it and then all of the teachers that are going to use it outside at recess will have those things the papers that we passed out in the classroom so we can go over them all winter long with the teachers. >> When Kristen first approached me with this uh and I talked to Braden about it, I thought that it sounded like a wonderful idea. It turned out to be a lot more than what I what I had bargained for. I was blown away by it as well, Erin. And uh a lot of hard work and a lot a lot of uh research and knowledge went into this and I think it's something that's going to benefit our kids and other kids down the road.
012So, thank you. Thank you. [applause] Okay, I think that takes us to work session. Um, have a motion to approve the board meeting agenda. >> Oh, I'm looking at the wrong one. >> I'm sorry. >> We're a little out of work. >> Yep. All right. So, that takes us over to budget and finance. >> So, consent agenda items. We'll have >> I'm so sorry. We need to do the West Grand High School and Scranton High School. >> Remember I said you're right. I apologize. >> I've got two different things I'm looking at. I'm sorry. We'll do that next. >> Grand High School. >> Max Hoffner's here. Good evening. Over the past month, Scranton High School's had a strong and productive return from the winter break. Keystone literature testing took place on January 7th and 8th
013for eligible students, and our student counseling department hosted a year instant college decision day on January 15th, giving seniors valuable post-secary opportunities. Preparations continued for graduation. Seniors needed to place cap and gown orders by by the February 1st deadline with additional support from a Johnson's representative who visited the high school on January 14th to assist with commencement items in class jewelry. The panorama survey will be held this week in home rooms. There will be a circus held at Screen High School on February 14th at 3 p.m. And our show choir program had an exceptional showing this past weekend as the glitter and gold choir earned grand champion honors, a silver medal in multiple awards, including best vocals, best choreography, best band, and best soloist. While first edition show choir plays runner up with the silver
014medal, and best band on Wednesday, we will have a teddy bear toss at our basketball game to fund raise for the women's resource center. Please bring a new teddy bear if you plan a new teddy bear if you plan on attending. Admission will be free for those who bring a bear. We proudly recognize Tony Battalia for scoring his 1,00 1,000th point career point on January 22nd. Amazing job. And also congratulations to Chrissy Jacquelinsky for scoring her thousand career point tonight. Nice job, Knights. >> The SAG club will host a teen dating teen dating violence prevention awareness activity on February 13th, reinforcing our commitment to student safety. The women's resource center will be there as and a safe space. We are celebrating National School Counselor Week for our counselor's dedication to supporting students academic, social, and
015emotional growth. Thank you to Miss Nasser, Miss Bevel, Miss Moore, and Miss Asi. We're looking great, we're looking forward to a great February. Thank you so much for your time, Senate, and I'll see you next month. >> Thank you. [applause] So, President Forwick, um our West Scranton High School rep is at the Scranton High School West Scranton High School basketball game right now. However, through her diligence, she completed her report and Sydney Toy will be reading it tonight. >> Wonderful. >> Happy to be an honorary invader for the night. Thanks everybody. Uh good evening board members and community. The month of January has been quite eventful at West Scranton High School. Our winter sports are well underway and the athletics have proven themselves to be the direct representatives of the Invader ideals. Nate Shimlfang is
016at 957 career points as he is chasing a milestone of 1,000 points. Invader swimmer Roy Ellaya has broken the school record for the boys 100 free with a time of 50.74. The boys basketball team is also honoring their seniors tonight as we speak at Lac at Lacawana College court versus Scranton High School. The girls basketball team is honoring their seniors this Friday at home versus North Pocono. Varsity Invader swimming and diving will be honoring their seniors next Tuesday, February 10th. Varsity senior varsity wrestling senior night, excuse me, is Thursday, February 5th. Today we held a winter sports prep rally to honor our student athletes and the seniors that work endlessly to lead their teams. Students from art three major will be reading their book taste buds to Willard Elementary students of first and second grade
017on February 11th. They are excited and nervous. Janiah Curi, Janice Prajapati, and Adeline Hersshler were selected to be part of this year's 2026 student scholastics art competition. Exhibition is from February 6th to March 1st. Opening reception February 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Everheart Museum. The National Art Honor Society will be conducting an all call for artists and writers for their first ever art publication titled Untold Stories. Untold Stories is a literary and art magazine produced by NHS students. Please keep an eye out for the all call at the beginning of February. The theme is down the rabbit hole. The following students are representing West Scranton High School in the Pennsylvania Art Education Association Youth Art Month exhibition taking place in our state capital. Claire Scholandor, Shaniah Meyers, Janiah Curi, Sachary Yanos, Riley
018Smith, more and Riley Smith. More information coming once awards are announced. For Scholastic Arts, senior Janice Parajapati won a silver key award for his drawing. Senior Janiah Kiri and freshman Adeline Hersshler won honorable mentions for their paintings. These will be on display at the Everheart Museum from February 6th to March 1st. Miss Judge's intro to business class just finished our advertising lesson and learned about the importance of supporting local businesses in the process. The students picked a local business to spotlight and make a short advertisement for the business. The community service club assisted the Albright Memorial Library with their winter book sale at the Steamtown Mall in December. Students moved and set up hundreds of books for the sale, then returned the following weekend to pack up remaining books and break down the sale. The
019library board was very thankful for our students assistance. The Red Cross Club held a successful blood drive in December. We had over half of the donors be firsttime donors, many of which said they will donate again in the future. Students, faculty, and staff all rolled up their sleeves to save over 75 lives. In December, a quint quint of students played for the first Friday at the Trolley Museum. They truly impressed the workers with their hard work. They played for about 4 hours, and the workers said our students were very polite and kind. A small group of students and myself have been invited to play in the pit orchestra for Lakeland's production of the sp of Spongebob the musical. At the end of February, students will learn a whole book of music to accompany the cast
020and get a chance to play with a group of professional musicians. Our unified team/ students have raised over $6,000 in donations for the Polar Plunge. The plunge was postponed until the end of February, so we have another month hopefully to raise more money for the Special Olympics. at West West Intermediate also had a great start to the new year as recently as their seventh and eighth grade boys basketball players went to play against the students at the NEIU8 team. It is always such a great experience for both schools. Thank you to Coach Mangan and our students on their outstanding behavior and character. We also would like to honor some student spotlights. These remarkable students continue to be role models for their peers in our community. Scholar of the month for December is Mackenzie Frerieded in
0218th grade. She was selected as scholar of the month for social studies. The student of the month for December is Eliia Houston, grade six. Her selection for student of the month was for being thoughtful. Scholar of the month for January was Jodise de Armis in the seventh grade. She was selected for scholar of the month in the fine arts. And the student of the month for January was McKenzie Bundiki grade six on her selection her she was selected for student of the month month for being organized December and this is at McNichols Plaza. December was filled with excitement at the plaza. The students learned about traditions and holidays of different cultures. They had special visitors including Santa himself, the Grinch and an Elf on the Shelf. Their PTA purchased treats, gloves, and goodies for all
022of our students. In December, they hosted our holidays around the world, a schoolwide concert streamed to their families. It was a huge success celebrating cultures and holidays around the world. The students and staff worked incredibly hard. Plaza students and staff raised $7104 for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Yay for pajama day annual. The Yay for the Pajama Day annual fundraiser. It was their largest donation yet. They had a very special donation made to their preschool and kindergarten from Miss Hannah Snyder, a former Plaza student. She donated all of her Squish Mallows to our prek and kindergarten students for the holiday. It was nice to see our grads continuing to rise up. They have their annual family showcase scheduled for February 3rd. Families are invited at in at dismissal to the to visit the classroom, take
023home resources to support students and tour the school. It's going to be a great event. This is Plaza's second annual year doing it. Plaza will be hosting a canned food drive for the 100th day of school. It's going to be an exciting event for the students to have another opportunity to give back. Fourth grade made some fantastic upycling projects for science class. They are so creative. Our third graders learned about culture and created posters sharing their cultural backgrounds and traditions. Second grade learned about groundhogs in the spirit of Groundhog Day coming up. They learned facts about groundhogs and where Punksatonyi PA is located. Each student made their prediction of whether Phil will see his shadow or not. We recorded those predictions by creating a tally chart and a bar graph. They watched the recording from
024gobblers knob to check their predictions. That's all. >> Thank you. >> All right. Now we're on to budget and finance director. Our consent agenda items, bill list and exception bill list, delinquent tax reports, treasures reports, repository sales, budget transfers, disposal of assets, budgeted purchases, and cooperative purchasing agre um contracts. We'll have a motion to approve the tax equity supplement resolution. >> Yes, thank you. So, uh, this evening, as part of the ready tolearn block grant, the district has been allocated, uh, $1,587,510 in the form of a tax equity supplement. Uh, in order to receive the funding, the board must officially accept that uh that allocation. Um, there's many allowable uses for the tax equity supplement, one of which is reducing the district's debt. So we are proposing to use the 1,ion587510 uh to make a
025payment towards our 2017 uh uh bond issue which is due in December of 2026 for a total of 2.6 million. So that that will be presented in front of you this evening. Thank you. >> We'll have a discussion um and a possible motion for real estate assessment approvals if we have any. So there's none there's none for this uh meeting but we do anticipate as manner 2026 uh potentially with some of the assessment appeals there will be >> a discussion on public school facility grant programs next steps. >> Okay so uh recently the pro provisions of the public school facility grant program were just announced uh just a little history um it's it's uh in the 2425 state budget uh there was uh this grant program operated as well. We were successful in 2425 where
026we were awarded a million dollars in uh through the form of this grant uh for um the fire alarm systems at West High School in South Intermediate. Um this grant application is now open with a for 2526 with a due date of I believe it was mid-March, maybe March 13th of 2026. The grant requires obviously there's a grant narrative. Uh there's a few components of it, but it does require a project budget or estimate based uh performed by a qualified individual engineer, architect, construction manager. So we will be working with um our construction manager and architect to develop a project budget. We are potentially going to issue we're we're allowed to submit multiple applications for multiple projects. Um, we are looking at potentially the plumbing at West Scranton High School, the roof, various roofs throughout
027the district, including Scranton High School, McNichols Plaza, potentially the the electrical upgrades or switch gear at uh at West High School as well. But we will be working with them to uh get some estimates on these budgets and submit a grant and hopefully fingers crossed we we be will be successful. >> And our final item is information on the contracts update. >> Uh yeah, just a few. Um they I did provide this to the board uh in last weekend's or two weeks ago. Um some contracts that were approved per but per board policy 611. The first is class link which is an app data dashboard for students to launch programs and website used for academic purposes. Um it replaced our clever uh platform that comes out of the IT budget. Um we uh we approved
028a one-year subscription with Renaissance Learning for Accelerated Reader. um that was funded by the ready tolearn block grant. Uh this evening we are asking the board to consider an extension of that for years two and three which would provide us with um some savings. Um the operations hero work order management platform which was pre previously approved by the board on June 2nd 2025 comes out of the operations budget. Uh service contract with Otis elevator which was approved by the board in May of 2025. again out out of the operations budget and Integra 1 um I don't really know it's it's a platform subscription that is utilized within our uh information technology department and those are it >> okay all right uh communic this is next up community relations director clear >> that's fine Hey, Catherine,
029if you want to take it, if you'd like. >> Yeah, if you don't mind. Thank you. >> So, we'll have a >> Oh, you're there. You can read it. >> No, that's right. Just read it. >> No, we can hear you. Go ahead. >> The approved donations. [snorts] >> Yes. >> Okay. >> You want me to read it? >> Yeah. Just uh do you want me I'm having a hard time hearing. So, the executive summary for the motion to accept donations. >> Okay. So, we'll have a motion to approve donations. Lacquana Heritage Valley field trip for McNichols Plaza. These are on consent. Uh, Net Credit Union field trip for Kennedy Elementary, Pete's Garage, West Boys basketball to NEIU. Um, two trips. Skills and Scranton Business Education Partnership, Northeast, South and Western Intermediate job shadow event,
030um, Kuanas Club to STEM Academy, and the Bog to Scranton High School STEM. >> Okay. >> Education Director Merkel. Yes, [clears throat] excuse me. We'll have on the consent agenda, we'll have motions to approve permissions to attend meetings and conferences. Motion to approve world history curriculum and pathway. Motion to approve Pearson for cyber platform K through six. Amenton Amentum for cyber platform grades 7 through 12 2026 2027 school calendar continuity continuity of operation plan for West Grant Intermediate and Northeast Intermediate School if needed student tracker 3.0 0 National Student Clearing House Program and Renaissance Learning Accelerated Reader informational the amended 2025 2026 instructional calendar. >> So just so everyone knows it's it's been a winter if you haven't followed along or been outside. Um initially we were going to do the amended calendar now. Um,
031you know, and I I had very clearly sent out to the staff that if we had another snow day that an actual closure and not a virtual learning day, Memorial Day, Friday would be the first day and then Easter Monday would be the next day and then days get tacked on to the end of the year. As it appears as if winter is is going to be here for a while, we're just going to hold on formally submitting all those changes until we're in a place where we're not coming back every month. >> And we'll have a motion to approve special education settlements. >> And and on here, the only thing that I'd really like to to point out is that Renaissance Learning Accelerated Reader Agreement. Um the multi-year contract, we don't have the ability
032to approve that without board consent. Does give significant savings to be able to invest in that. Um and that's part of the process um with posting for a district librarian and trying to bring back some of our circulation. Um so that is something that um we are recommending >> and it and it will be grant funded with the ready tolearn block grant. It's not a hit to the general fund. Sorry. >> Great. Okay. Operations director Brazil have a motion lights. So, we were able to do that through a cooperative agreement. Um, you will see that there is a price range in there depending on the work that needs to be done once we're in there with a not to exceed. Um, I'd like to thank uh Ron Al Barrett for working to get that done
033with us. Um, but that will be able to be work that's done through a a co-op. >> We'll have another motion to approve Scranton High School athletic field lights. Um, for those new people on the board, the lights by the softball field um, failed to work or started to fail to work last spring. So, this will be what we need to do to be able to start to have that fixed to be ready to go for spring sports. >> Have a motion West Grant High School Board. >> Straightforward. Mr. Suma had sent you guys um, the different options. Um, the recommendation is coming with a company that we have a working relationship with and >> we'll have discussion on the PC. So, the PCCD grant is money that was submitted to look to purchase more
034of the Evolve um scanners for school safety and also to look at the bag scanners um which would help expedite getting in in the morning and and maybe free up some um space for administration to be out in front of the buildings not working those uh scanners in the morning. So, that grant was submitted. >> Okay. Personnel Director Casey standard. >> That's a standard personnel report. Yes. Okay. >> We're just in the work session. >> Yeah. Work session now. We'll vote at the next meeting. Um the next is the employment uh employee settlement agreement. >> They're standard agreements through legal channels >> and the next one chief of uh relation contract. >> So there are there are few contracted positions in the district. I am one. the assistant superintendent are one and then um HR
035is the other one. So this is just an approval of that's not just it's the approval of that contract >> and last one is anformational and the organization. >> So uh there was also anou with act 93 which ties into that. Um just to go through with everyone um two years Thursday I was appointed to come here as a superintendent. Um, and when I came, I was given uh pretty extensive goals um multiple pages of goals uh that I continue to update the board on my progress on a regular basis on on how I'm working to achieve them. One of the original goals was to look at the organizational structure of the central office and to redo it. And I originally think it was like a six-month timeline and I had put something together. Um
036I've sat back over the last two years and I've listened. I've listened to teachers. I've listened to building administration. I've listened to central office staff. I've listened to a lot of different folks of where we're stretched thin, where we need more support. Me personally being able to witness where we get buried and in the weeds sometimes. And there is a new organizational chart that um will be moving forward. Um all of these positions were passed as part of the 26 budget. Um, and honestly with the way that they're structured, a lot of them with restructuring are are are costneutral, would you say, or not adding to the general fund? >> Correct. Yes. >> Um, the way that we were able to restructure. Part of that is anou for act 93 for anyone who has 40
037years of service or more uh to allow us to shuffle things around. So, you're going to see a new chief level. So, it would be myself and the assistant supers. And you're going to see four positions that will sit at what you would call a chief level. Um, one is a 1099 position, which is a clerk of works, which is on the agenda for tonight. Um, the HR position, which has a contract, is another one. There will be a chief that sits over education and leadership. And then student support services um would be the other one that is is being reshuffled through a vacancy, through a retirement. um you're going to see that um one of the current supervisors will kind of lose part of their responsibility to pick up instructional technology only. We got
038a lot going on in instructional technology. There's a lot going on in this world and we need someone dedicated to that. The other thing that you're going to see is what was traditionally um curriculum K12 is now going to be split into an elementary and a secondary curriculum person. um it's too much for any one person to handle and I thank Ann Griebeck for the awesome job that she's done. Um but we're going to take and really look at the specialty of elementary and secondary. Um a new position that came in is a special projects coordinator. There's a lot going on in this district with construction and projects and and this is a position that's going to look at that. We had a retirement um in procurement um a year ago. Yeah, >> a year
039ago that we never filled. Um we're now filling that position in for the procurement supervisor. And then there was a budgeted position in safety and security for surveillance. Um and that budgeted when we restructured and took security back ourself. That position is also going to be assisting with transportation. The other thing that hasn't been posted yet which we have to get out is from our s food service account. Again, no impact to the general fund. you will see a food service manager position that's going to be posted. Um, we are a beast of a school district. We're a $250 million business. And and as educators, sometimes we don't look at that. And we need to to build in and split out a little bit of middle management to be able to more effectively get to
040the things where I'm getting phone calls and I'm getting complaints and I'm getting concerns or we have people just stretch too thin. So this new work chart was presented um to the board first as personnel issue. Meetings were held with act 93 um and the central office staff. Meetings were also held with all of the principles and now publicly it's coming forward to you. And again, there's not the the costs have been able to be dispersed through restructuring. Um, and then all of the positions were part of the past 2026 budget that we did in December. >> Questions? >> Thank you. >> All right. Policy Director Fox. >> Yes. Um, I was a bit confused and I'm looking back now. Um, and I guess I apologize the policy chair for not catching this, but it
041says motion to approve, second read, updates, revisions, but all those, there's an email saying that we approved them our last meeting. So, we already approved 105.2, 122, 122.1, and 86. Um, it says been approved with a second reading during our Monday, December 15th, and then also 610. So, I'm imagining that the second reads are not supposed to be there. 6 610 is supposed to move to a second read. >> B, [snorts] I'm going to point to you here. You are my my master of this right now. I think these are >> If I can just clarify before you continue. December 16th. The following revised four policies from PSBA and one SSD revision have been approved with a second read during our Monday, December 15th Scranton School District board meeting. All are located in the draft
042and form board docs. So where I was confused is they're not currently in the draft of board docs and that's because we approved them last meeting. So I I think that we just already approved all the second reads. We moved 610 to a second read and then the others can remain as a first read. Am I making sense? 15th we approved >> back on December I believe they were on for second read. So they they've already been approved >> first read. >> I think they I think >> Okay, wait. Jenny is saying that. So the email >> that the email that says second read, it should have only been first read, but then they're not in the for draft of four docks. So then they were only approved as first read. >> First read on
043the 15th of December. >> Okay. So the email was incorrep apologize part. So the email was incorrect on that, but then they're not in the draft form of boards anymore. So, can you just clarify the change from the update on 8:16 >> 12? >> I don't remember because that was so long ago. >> Yeah, there's no change. The first read, if the first read was on December 15th, this will be the second read. And those those are now in the board policies. >> Well, it shouldn't be shouldn't it be drafted until it's approved? Second read, >> Right. And they're not on the draft right now. So I think that's where there was confusion because the email said second read when it should have said first read which is fine. I'm just now >> rerouting myself.
044So then what can you just do you recall what the change was on those for on at least that one for >> on those four on those four? >> No no I'm sorry >> those PS are PSBA they're PSB. >> Okay. So including the social media one that was just PSBA's change. >> Yes. Yes. They're all PSBA updates. Now 006 PSBA for some reason they put it back in for a first read but there really was no change. That's why we put that's why I put no change for that one. >> Okay. So then at least for this then 610 was a first read. >> So 610 should be second read. >> 610. >> Yes 610 is under for first read right now. >> They did change but >> they did change the levels on
045610. >> Yeah. So let's >> 610 was changed for second. Yeah. >> Right. So at a previous meeting we did amend policy 610 for other other means and purposes on an annual basis when the department of labor statistics comes out the the bidding and quote threshold levels increase or get adjusted. That's what these are. That's why 610 and 611 it's they're making changes to the thresholds of when we need to issue three quotes or go out for competitive bid. >> Yeah, there's a there was there was a second change in 610. So there's multiple changes. So we're rechanging since the last meeting 610 that so it's first reading. >> So another PNN came out on them. >> So >> yes because that came out they came out with a PSBA on December with another change
046with the threshold. >> So we did our own change and then now we're doing it again. So it's a first read again. >> Exactly. Exactly. 610 was our change the first time and now it's another change with PSBA >> because there's a second change. It has to be a first read. >> So then those first reads are just active under policies because it wasn't just an accidental of second read to first read. So, okay, I guess that makes sense. >> All right. So, just to clarify for the public, there was an email sent on the second reads that said we approved them, but we did not. They have to be read the first. Yeah, they have to be >> which shifted them to active, but they were still drafted. Correct. Which is where all my
047confusion, but they have to be approved tonight. >> Okay. And then all of the first reads, even 610, because 610 had a further PNN change through the PSBA, they also need to be first reads tonight. >> Correct. >> And B, just while I have you, do you know the answer that was asked? Do you know what has changed to policy 8:16, the district social media? The same way that uh Mr. Lafy knew that what's changing are the thresholds. I think that question was asked, >> right? Uh I did talk to Sydney about 8:16 with uh the social media, those changes. that we did take a look. That was another that was >> you know that was a PSP. >> That's what director F asked that question. I didn't know the answer. Do you know what's
048changing? >> Uh I do have my binder. Do you want to just give me one second? >> I think that's all we're trying to get at the work session. Just so the public knows what we're adopting since that question was asked. We have an existing district social media policy. >> Grab your binder. >> Yeah, it was it was an update. >> What's the change that we're making? >> Grab your binder quick. >> Okay. >> Sorry. Normally, yes, these are still under draft and we could see the word changes and such. So, >> but I heard if you asked that question, I don't think it got an answer. Pat knew the answer about the thresholds. >> You're listening to me? >> Yes, I [laughter] >> know. I talk fast and I try not to. >> But
049it's a work session. That's what we're doing. We're trying to make sure we understand what we're voting on. So, I want to make sure there's clarity on this before we go. >> And to that, while you're saying that, because I was just looking over at Jenny, when we're done with the work, should people be able to sign up for public comment until after the work session? Because normally they would, right? So like during they should be able to listen now and if someone says oh they should be able to sign up still, right? Okay. >> Put it down. I don't >> I'm sure I know we don't normally. I was just thinking about it while we were sitting here. Sydney, you don't know me. You don't remember, do you? I was going to say if
050we we can come back right to this. I think that's the only question. >> Take it off and do it. I mean that it was a reasonable question. What are we what is the policy saying that we're passing tonight? I think we deserve to know that. >> Yeah. It's just um difficult because our last meeting was so long ago. So to and then the fact it's not under draft anymore. >> We can talk about when we get to the board meeting. So if you let me just take a quick look at it forward. >> All right. We'll move forward. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> All right. Anything else on policy? >> I think I'm okay. >> All right. So, vendor relations, director Chzik. >> Okay. So, uh vendor relations under the consent
051agenda, we will have a motion to approve the mom and pop contracts, if any, motion to approve the updated list of transportation drivers. Motion to approve the contracted mental health professional for the STEM Academy. On the non-consent, we will have a motion to approve the purchase of two digital scoreboards for West High Gymnasium. Motion to approve um a purchase of data viz infinite campus premium. Motion to approve um the appointment of an architect on retainer. Motion to approve appoint advertising consultant, a digital scoreboard on property advertising. Discussion motion on uh appoint uh a contracted clerk of the works construction inspector. A discussion motion on the budget design budget for Studio KP for the Maple Street project. And then a discussion on tier three RFPs. So, first the contracted mental health professional for STEM that is
052not budgeted and you will have a budget transfer to approve for that on the next agenda. >> The only reason it's not on this agenda is the current budget needs to you can only amend the budget in the last nine months of your fiscal year. So, I I will bring I will bring a budget transfer uh to fund that at our next meeting or the April meeting most likely. >> The digital scoreboards is repetitive. Uh the data viz is a piece of infinite canvas um that adds to our ability to work with vast amounts of of information that we have. Um the architecture retainer there's an hourly rate. I had composed that memo and sent it to you. Um this is linked back to the public schools facility grant program. There are times with grants
053or small projects that we need to be able to quickly be able to contact someone. Um and this would allow us in that instance to be able to do that. and then appropriately inform the board of why we made the contact with the architect and what we spent and it would also be on the um bill list. >> So it would be very transparent in nature. But some of these grants come up and you know for example the public school facilities grant you'd be like okay why do you want to spend that money? Well we were we had to put a little money forward. We got a million dollars to do the fire alarm systems at South and South Intermediate West High School. So, it is a small upfront cost, but if we're going to
054receive back that kind of money to make improvements to our building, it's very well worth it. And we need to be able to quickly have those services if we need them. Um, for the advertising consultant, Mr. O'Donnell, I don't know if you want to say anything, but we are tableabling the on property advertising and just bringing forward digital. >> That is correct. We're going to do the digital tonight and we're still waiting on a on a change on the proposal of the on property advertising for signs at Memorial Stadium. >> Um when I went over the ORC chart, the clerk of the works position was on there. Um this is someone who has advanced understanding and knowledge of construction management procurement. Um I will I'm never shy with admitting when I'm in over my head
055and there are times I'm sitting in meetings and I really don't know what the standard cost of an HVAC system is. So um it is a position that that we greatly need and it is a contracted 1099 position. So that is a position that also has the ability that um in another budget cycle can you know not be renewed. Um, we have the design budget for Studio KP for the Maple Street project to the board. I had written a memo that this was based off 35,000 square ft and $6 million as a project. That would be basically the high end. So again, it's a not to exceed. It could come in under that. I'm hoping it would never come in over that. But that is the initial project for design that would go with um
056the the project as we're starting to do construction. Um I have learned such fun facts and and solicitor Moran has agreed with me that new construction can be upwards of 750 to $850 a square foot. Look at Mr. >> Yeah. Um so uh that is for that design and then the tier three RFPs um uh we've been going through the RFP process u auditing services banking services um we're going to be working through that next round and bringing forth that information to you um we had made it through all of tier one and tier two and just very transparently moving on to tier three at this time. >> All right uh fairing director >> we have a federal update from Dr. Uh so keep your fingers crossed. Um there was bipartisan support to pass level
057funding to and it hasn't passed formally yet to keep titles one through four where they were last year which would give us one more year. Um, for those people in district who read my weekly updates, um, and I, if you've listened to me before, you've heard me say that we had budgeted in the 26 budget for the worst case scenario, which was the removal of 2, three, and four and a 20% reduction of one. What we are getting right now from the federal level is that they have the possibility with bipartisan support to remain level. um keep your fingers crossed because that would be a huge win for us so that we would have that money for the wonderful things the federal programs do for one more year and then again we will keep working
058to to do what we have to do on our end to keep these programs in place. Um, back to vendor relations if we can just um Okay, so um just a couple of things. Um, for the digital scoreboards, I did vote no to Scranton High Schools um because of the the cost and such. I think we're up in the air with some things with the West Gym. So, um, just that at this time I would not be in favor of. Um can I do have just a couple questions but for infinite campus premium can you just explain um at this time like uh the reasoning for needing to go premium and then there's the um what's the word the starting fee for the premium also we paid that for the regular one also for the
059the regular infinite campus and now we have to pay this for the premium. >> Yeah. I'm going to have Mr. Sum explain why at this point we're requesting a premium. It's a premium add-on. It's not Infinite Campus Premium. It's just one of their add-on packages that they offer. Um, we see the great value in this. It's going to help us create digital uh visualization dashboards so that our special ed department will be able to see on the screen um in real time what their case load looks like, when their 30-day, 60-day, 90-day evaluations are going to come due. um there are um built-in notifications through email, but they also want to be able to see that on the screen when they log in on a daily basis. This product will help us do that. Um,
060this will also be able to help us create academic dashboards that will compare data for attendance discipline based on gender, ethnicities, certain things that we get from other sources right now that as I described in the memo that we would be able to go uh do away with some of those third party products that will have built into this and it will actually be a cost savings for us over the time of contract. [clears throat] >> Okay. And we're still implementing Infinite Campus in general, right? >> Correct. We've started the data roll over. >> Okay. And so is >> this is an add-on that will allow us to have those dashboards in place on day one. >> Okay. Um what is the word I'm looking for for that fee in the beginning? What is that
061word? >> The implementation fee. >> Yes. Yeah. So that's we that >> this two separate things. >> Okay. >> Like we're in the process of implementation right now. Okay. This is just a premium add-on that like we have their calling system which happens to be an add-on but we got that as part of the original package. Um, this is something external through a third-party service called Tableau that they have built in to integrate directly with the product so that we can build out these visualizations so that you can see trends and you can see you know those those um troublesome kids that we'll be able to see on the screen what their their benchmarks look like and you know their charts and graphs look like so that we can help those kids at a quicker
062pace than we would be able to in the Okay, thank you for explaining that. >> Um, >> I think >> the only other thing I really had was um in terms of the advertising consultant and then the clerk of the works. >> Um, just um being transparent as I feel as a board member like being here for six years, I'm not um personally we all have our vote. you know in our own viewpoints comfortable with the um path forward we have decided to go on on not like putting everything out so for example the on property advertising I wasn't really understanding how we came about that um I think that was just I I guess because it's a professional service we didn't have to put it out so it was just individual conversations um it
063was I was told it was decided to bring somebody local in um but I I I wasn't personally part of that conversation so that's why I was kind of confused on how we got that one proposal Um, and then the clerk of the works, I was asked how that position was put out. Um, and just if I understand correct, I don't think it was put out. It was just someone >> It wasn't I'll be very transparent. I received an email right after Christmas from an individual um who had been following us closely and who um basically said, "I I have a lot of knowledge. I I would like to to I'll send the email to everybody. I had sent it to one board member already. Um, I'd like to sit down and meet." I was
064able to make that connection. It was somebody you actually Al knew. So Al was able to give that introduction to me. Um when I sat down with the person, I was kind of blown away at the knowledge that the person had. Um I was very transparent in the memo that I put forward to all of you with why I was blown away with that information and why I was bringing it forward. The only other 1099 that I've worked with with you guys truthfully was um the appointment of Noah Katz as um special legal counsel. Again, that was another one where I brought a name forward to you uh for consideration. So, I brought this forward to you for consideration and I had asked the individual, Mr. Osborne, for his resume um and his work experience
065to be able to send to you why after that initial meeting and conversation, I was in a place I had no knowledge of this individual prior to that. >> Dr. Keing uh [clears throat] excuse me over the weekend I was in Washington for a conference on advocacy and one of the things that uh I did get seeing that you're bringing up advertising the wave of the future for school districts such as ours and uh is we're we're now going into a period of education where we're competing with private schools, charter schools, and what the people who I spoke to in breakout sections where you were able to sit and discuss. One of the things that was recommended for school districts in the future because of the uh uh increasing uh charter schools is that public
066schools need to also be competitive on their advertising and bringing to the public everything that is good. They uh they suggested possibly having uh a PR uh firm and actually going out and telling people everything that's good about this grand school district. Um, we have a STEM program. Um, we're starting an aviation program. Um, but the majority of the taxpayers and the stakeholders really don't know anything about it. And, uh, we need to compete with the charter schools and tell them why we're better. It's a marketing thing that we that we have to start doing. Um, I think everybody knows I was on the board back in the dinosaur age where we didn't even have computers. Well, we didn't have charter schools either. And now we have to go out and we really need to
067promote our projects and our schools. So, when we're talking about advertising, and I understand it's like advertising on a scoreboard and this and that, but as long as we're talking about advertising, um if we're going to be competitive with our u uh our enrollment, we need to start telling people what we're good at. Uh, so I just wanted to pass that on. Seeing that uh, Director Fox brought up the idea of uh, or had questions on the advertising, I think we uh, actually have to start looking at how we're going to start promoting our district in a PR fashion. Now, I know Sydney does a lot of it, but I think we're going to have to start getting a little bit more advanced. >> Well, we used to have employee who was dedicated and uh
068you know, there was a salary, there was pension, benefits. So, my understanding with this proposal is be a percentage what he brings in. So, so in complete transparency, the digital scoreboard one is one that comes with the scoreboards that we bought. So, we have done research, Mr. O'Donnell, I'll let you speak to it. We're local districts are are getting a lot of money on the digital scoreboard contract. Yes, there uh we I spoke to two local districts uh large districts like the Scranton School District that put in brand new school school scoreboards at their athletic field and they've had great success with advertising bringing in this national company scoreboard media to come in and they go out and they go out at a a national level to get an advertiser hypothetically like Coca-Cola Ola to
069advertise on the scoreboard, but they also go to the local where they would get a local pizza place to advertise on the scoreboard as well. And that would be shown at all games at Memorial Stadium and also at uh West Scranton at the gym at West Granton and at the gym at Scranton High School. And it would be at football games, it would be at soccer games, any event at Scranton High School, the advertising would run. And uh some large school districts in our area have been very successful with this national company coming in and going out and they have a bevy of team members. It's not one person, it's a multitude of salesmen getting advertising for the school >> and that's at no cost to us. Correct. >> That is at no cost to
070us. If you it was sent to you in the fall and you're packing and it's back, we will split the profits with the company. >> So it's a so >> 5050. >> It's a 50/50 profit share upfront cost. >> Correct. Correct. >> So the other individual before I came back had worked with the district to put the signage up at Scranton High School. So when we had had conversations and I can't tell you when about advertising in the past, one of the comments was for us to go out and seek people locally who also did this. So we reached out to that individual who put a proposal together that you received, but that was for everything including the digital. We're looking more at the signage in gyms, the signage at the stadium, the things like
071that that are separate from the digital >> physical. This person has done that before. They put a proposal to this together for us. That's why that person was brought forward. >> So the one we received is going it's going to going to be different. You said the one we received was for everything from >> the one. Yeah. The original one looked at everything. Correct. >> Yes. It looked at everything and he is going to resubmit a proposal just on physical signs so to speak. Nothing to do with what would be on the scoreboards. These would be physical signs. If you go to Memorial, have you been there for a game this year? >> You've seen those signs. Although he will go out and get advertisers and replace all those signs. >> Interesting. >> Okay. I
072did find the information. Uh those four uh motion for second read were back in November. Obviously, we did a first read in December. We didn't have a meeting in January. So, that will bring us to February for a second read. and the 8:16. I did put this in the board packet back in November. The district the district social media, this is a PSBA update, may remove comments from the district social media page that has been revised to focus primarily on those comments that are in clear violation of law or board policy. This policy also contains further distinctions regarding personal social media accounts of students, district employees, social directors, and third parties. The following eight for first read came through through volume six in December. So that's why we're doing a first read now. No meeting
073in January. So the second read will be March. >> That was 8:16's update from PSBA. >> Okay. Thank you for looking. I appreciate it. >> Good. >> Thank you very much. >> It's very funny. Do we have anything else or are we good to go? >> All good. >> Yeah, we're good. >> All right. So, that takes us to the regular meeting, right? Do we want to start with the roll call >> or do we need to do another one or no? Uh, >> sure. I'll do another one. Okay. >> Mr. Brazil >> here. >> Mr. Casey >> here. >> Mrs. Chzik >> present. >> Mrs. Clearary. >> Yes. >> Miss Fox >> present. >> Miss Merkel >> here. >> Mr. Leky >> present. >> Mr. Triano >> present. >> Mr. Bourswick >> present. >>
074N present. >> Do we need to clarify for anyone? >> Right. Could I get a motion to approve the board meeting agenda? >> So moved. Second have a question. We don't roll call >> on the qu I just want to say that we did pull item H7 I think it was. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Mr. Casey. >> Yes. >> Mr. Chz. [clears throat] >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Mrs. Clearary. >> Yes. >> Miss Fox. >> Yes. >> Miss Merkel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sle. >> Yes. >> Mr. Trio. >> Yes. >> Mr. Borthwick. >> Yes. Mr. Brazil. >> Yes. >> Affirm. >> Okay. >> Uh, communications to the board. Executive sessions were held this evening to dis to discuss personnel, real estate, litigation, negotiations, and safety and security. >> Solicitor's report. >> I
075don't have anything for the public. >> You superintendent report. >> Thank you, President Forthwick. Uh, I just want to take this time to officially welcome everyone back even though we are in February from break. Um, and for your continued support and understanding over the absolute crazy weather and below freezing temperatures that we've had. Um, I am waiting for a couple days in the 40s because I really don't want to talk to people at 4 in the morning and 8:00 at night anymore about road conditions. So, I'm right there with all of you. Uh before I begin, I would like to specifically thank our maintenance department, Rob Rucker, Terry Smith, Brian Walsh, our plow crew, and our maintenance department um for their work and efforts in the snow cleanup and removal. This was not a typical
076storm. Um it required some extensive work, and our buildings really looked good when we were able to get back. I'd also like to thank Julie Maloney, um who manned transportation, um which was not an easy feat with everything going on, for the communication we had. Oh, I said I said the wrong name. I said Terry Smith, Terry Turner. I apologize. Just hit my watch. I apologize, Terry. Um, it was not an easy thing. We also were in coordination with the DPW department at Scranton um to be able to get things up and ready and moving. I'd like to thank them and the city support as well for being able to get schools reopened Thursday morning. Um, so thanks to all those folks. I'd also like to thank um the maintenance department for their work on
077the West Scranton High School wait room, which is now officially open. Kids are back in the wait room after it flooded last year. It really looks nice and we're going to be holding an open house so that people can get in there and see how good the basement looks. Um it's also come to our attention that there's been some issues with the one call system. um and that things are muffled and jumbled and you can't really hear things and messages are starting over and over and over again. I'm really sorry about that. When I record the message or when you record it and you hit schedule and send, you really lose control after that point. Um and I I would assume you could all realize that I speak loudly and clearly at all times. So,
078if you can't hear me, it's a problem within the system. and I'm really sorry that you're dealing with that. We are going to be moving when we move to Infinite Campus to the new system through them and I'm hoping that that rectifies things. Um, if you are having any problems um with not getting access to one calls, please make sure you go into the parent portal system and your number and your email and your information is updated. Um, and while I'm talking about that, if you go to the district web page right now, there is a popup because as we move to Infinite Campus, you want to make sure that all of your information is correct. Please, please go on and fill out that information so that everything's where it needs to be for the
079first day of school next year. The form closes on February 10th. So, I really need to encourage parents and guardians, if you log on the website, it's right there. Just have to click it and fill out the information. I'd like to congratulate the Lady Knights on winning this year's lineup tournament. We're very, very proud of you. Um, the district will be closed on Monday, February 16th for President's Day. As of today, report cards are live, so please make sure you're using the parent portal to access report cards. Progress reports for the third quarter will go out on February 27th. We're working to schedule spring sports physicals right now. Seems crazy, but spring sports is just around the corner. We're also very excited to welcome two Lacawana College cyber security interns who will be starting this
080month. We're also happy to announce that one of the interns is a graduate of Scranton High School. So, we're able to bring one of our own kids back. It's really nice to see a former student come back and work for their alma mater. Our special education task force has launched a thought exchange uh looking for feedback about the department which will eventually lead into a SWAT analysis for the task force. That is also available on the district website and on each school's individual website. Kindergarten registration for next year is open. If you got a little one at home, it is time to get them on the bus for kindergarten next year. To the parents out there, please make sure that you are getting kids registered um you fill out the packets and if you have
081any questions, you could call the central office um to make an appointment and we will help you out. Um, as we enter February, we got a lot of winter left. We're going to continue to watch weather really closely for any further cancellations or delays. I try to get it out as early as I can. I know that you have to make child care arrangements and I know that this is inconvenient. Um, it has just been a bad winter. Uh, it's northeastern Pennsylvania. We've kind of been lucky the last couple years. So, you know, we're getting whammy this year and that's kind of where we are. Um, we are going to be looking at some adjustments to the school calendar and possibly some other instructional models um if we ever got hit with any other larger
082storms and I'll be putting information out about that. So, that's what I have right now. I hope everyone's settling in, staying warm, um, and we're excited that we are into the third marking period. Happy February, everyone. >> Director Borthick, may I interrupt and I want to hijack the superintendent's report. Uh Dr. Keenan is very quiet about her own accomplishments and she's had many in this school district and she will have many in the future. But one great accomplishment that you're going to see Saturday, March 14th in Scranton, Pennsylvania is Dr. Keading was elected to serve as the grand marshall for the St. Patrick's Day parade. Congratulations Dr. Keing. Awesome. [applause] I'm very excited. And my parents named me Aaron Kathleen Bridget Keading. So, I need to let them know that it was worth it in
083the end. [laughter] >> Congratulations. Thank you, Erin. And thank you, Adam. >> All right. Uh, interim CRO report from Dr. Sailor. >> No report, you said. >> Okay. PSBA report. Director Fox. >> Um, yes. I don't have much. Just um there's I I believe we should we could probably post it on our Facebook page. There's a student leader scholarship. um encourage your outstanding students to apply now for the PSBA Trust 2026 Student Leader Scholarships, which provide a onetime award of up to $2,500 or 5,000 to graduating seniors from PSBA member districts who meet the criteria for one of four available scholarship categories. The deadline is March 13th. If I share that to Sydney, I would think we could put that out there. Um the other thing that I have is I just received my my
084package today since my label fell off. So, you all got yours a while ago, but I'm sorry, who sent these to us again? >> The um >> the direct So, January was school director recognition month. Um we didn't really meet during that time. Um so, who who sent I didn't club. Is that what it was? So, Kennedy JFK's kindness club sent us a little thank you for um school director recognition month. Um I finally have mine in my hand. And so I just wanted to say thank you publicly as the rest of my colleagues were very very happy when they received that in the mail. So um thank you very much for that. That's it. >> Thank you. All right. At this time the board welcomes public comment. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes
085to speak. Union presidents will be allowed four minutes. Uh we only got one on the agenda today. Sheamus McCormack. Excuse me. Good evening. My name is Jameus McCormack. I'm a former student of the Scranton School District, teacher in the district, and most importantly, a parent of two children currently attending district schools. I was recently informed that my older daughter's social studies grade would consist of 20% character strong participation, 40% admentum math trophies, and 40% math workbook completion. Again, those listed items were to determine her social studies grade. In looking at the report card this afternoon, she received 100% for social studies. While she is a good student and that is a grade we expect from her, I wonder if she would be able to validate that 100% based on the changes to our district adopted
086social studies curriculum. She has not learned anything from the social studies curriculum during the second quarter or the third quarter so far. It has been over 50 school days since she received any instruction for her social studies class despite reassurances in a Facebook post three weeks after the change was implemented and additional re reassurances in a meeting with the school's administration that this would not be the case. In the letter that was posted to Facebook but not sent home with students, we were informed that although there would be an increased exposure to math, quote, "It is important to note that non-ested subjects will continue to deliver their regular curriculum end quote." And this quote will support students who may need additional reinforcement without reducing instructional time in the non-ested course end quote. In the meeting
087we had with school and district rep uh administration, we were told that students would be receiving regular course instruction at least 40% of the time. I do not understand how 40% instructional time would not be a reduction in instructional time. The posted letter stated integration of math will be purposeful and supportive ensuring students still receive a well-rounded educational experience. I find it very difficult, especially given all that is going on in our country, to support the removal of civics's education from any of our students. We are making a mistake in the implementation of these supports for math at the expense of an extremely important subject. While I understand the desire to increase test scores for our schools and our district, it should not come at the cost of creating well-rounded, lifelong learners who are informed
088citizens of our country and the world at large. Thank you. >> Thank you. If you don't mind asking, what grade is uh your child in? >> She is currently in sixth grade. >> Sixth grade. Okay. Thank you, Al. Is that something you could look into and then get us, you know, just information to the board about like, you know, what what the actual percentages and aotments are? >> Yes, we will. He's right. In this day and age, we need civics. All right. Thanks, Al. Thank you, sir. Okay. Um, we have a motion to approve the meeting minutes from 1219 2025. >> So moved. Second. >> Question. >> All right. Roll call. >> Mr. Casey? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chzik? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Clearary? >> Yes. >> Miss Fox? >> Yes. >> Miss Merkel? >>
089Yes. >> Mr. Leky? >> Yes. >> Mr. Triano? >> Yes. >> Mr. Brazil? >> Yes. >> Mr. Borthwick? >> Yes. >> Nine. >> Affirmative. We have a motion to approve the consent agenda. One roll call to approve items. Please announce any items removed prior to vote. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Question. All right. Roll call. >> Mrs. Chzik. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Clearary. >> Yes. >> Miss Fox. >> No. >> Miss Merkel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zleky. >> Yes. >> Mr. Triano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brazil. >> Yes. >> Mr. Casey. >> Yes. >> Mr. Borswick. >> Yes. >> Eight affirmative, one negative. Motion passes. >> Okay, that takes us to budget and finance. >> A motion to approve the resolution pursuant to section 1949, Act 14 of the school code request, the tax
090equity supplement under the ready tolearn block grant appropriations for the 2526 school year. The financial impact is 1,587,510.58. Second >> other question. >> All right. Roll call. >> Mrs. Clearary? >> Yes. >> Miss Fox? >> Yes. >> Miss Merkel? >> Yes. >> Mr. Leki? >> Yes. >> Mr. Trio? >> Yes. >> Mr. Brazil? >> Yes. >> Mr. Casey? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chzik? >> Yes. >> Mr. Borthwick? >> Yes. >> Nine. Affirmative. >> Under education. Um, I have a motion to approve special education settlement agreements following legal review and negotiation settlement settlement summaries previously provided to the board for review SJ2600435, JR3001818 and ND 3017803. >> Second. >> Another question. Roll call. >> Miss Fox, >> yes. >> Miss Merkel, >> yes. >> Mr. Leki, >> yes. >> Mr. Trio, >> yes. >> Mr. Brazil,
091>> yes. >> Mr. Casey, >> yes. >> Miss Mrs. Chzik, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clearary, >> yes. >> Mr. Bwick, >> yes. >> Nine. Affirmative. >> Operations. [snorts] >> There's a motion to approve the Scrant High School lighting project under the cooperative agreement with illuminated integration not to exceed $950,000. Second >> on the question. >> Roll call. >> Miss Merkel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Trosky? >> Yes. >> Mr. Triano? >> Yes. >> Mr. Brazil? >> Yes. >> Mr. Casey? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Jess? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Clearary? >> Yes. >> Miss Fox? >> Yes. >> Mr. Borthwick? >> Yes. >> 9 to4. We have a motion to approve the installation of new electrical service to support the athletic fields at Scranton High School. The scope of work includes establishing a new service connection and
092installing new conductors to the existing field power panels. The proposed routing avoids trenching beneath Providence Road State Roadway, reducing permitting and coordination risk. This work will be performed through the Gordian Job Order Contracting Program by Ibable, Inc. at a fixed price of $117,4654. >> Second. >> Another question. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Slucky? >> Yes. >> Mr. Trio? >> Yes. >> Mr. Brazil? >> Yes. >> Mr. Casey? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chzik? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Clearary? >> Yes. >> Miss Fox? >> Yes. >> Miss Merkel? >> Yes. >> Mr. Borthwick? >> Yes. >> Nine. >> Affirmative. >> The personnel. >> Okay. The uh first uh motion that I have is motion to approve personnel report as attached. All hires are contingent upon all background checks and clearances. >> I move >> second. >> So
093um on the question, it was just brought to my attention that one of the positions that needed to be on there is not um so it's Corey Crossson being appointed the Kennedy School principal. So, I'd like to request a friendly amendment to add that to the personnel report. >> Second. >> Will you make the motion and then the second? >> I'll make a motion for a friendly uh u >> amendment to add Corey Carson as a SRO. I assume >> principal >> Kennedy principal, not >> Oh, I Kennedy principal. I'm having a hard time hearing here tonight. >> Amended. >> Second. >> No big deal. And then I need a second on second. >> I just need a second. >> Okay. On the question. >> Is this for the friendly amendment? >> Yes. >> This
094is the friendly amendment. >> Okay. Roll call. >> Uh, Mr. Triiano? >> Yes. >> Mr. Brazil? >> Yes. >> Mr. Casey? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chzik? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Clearary? >> Yes. >> Miss Fox? >> Yes. >> Miss Merkel? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ducky? >> Yes. >> Mr. Borthwick? Yes. >> And affirmative. >> Okay. And then that takes us back to the now amended personnel report. >> Do I need to do another? >> I think you had a second on that. So just roll call. >> Okay. So then we'll just roll call that. >> So there's no on the question. >> Oh, I'm sorry. On the question for the >> I just Is this the only time? I know there's some important roles that are on here in terms of retirements and such. Is
095this the only time we would be voting on those even though they're not for a little bit? >> Yes. And I would Mr. happy just that I want those people to announce their retirement. Um, >> not >> I just didn't want to be rude not to acknowledge. >> I didn't want to do that. I was going to do that at the March meeting. >> Yeah. Yeah. I I kind of >> I didn't want us to seem any certain way. >> Correct. >> What Aaron said. [laughter] >> Yes. >> Superend to the people who are retiring on there. I love you and we are going to make a great big fuss over you, but I want you to be able to say first. >> Thank you, >> Dr. Katie. Yeah. >> As long as we're we're
096still on the question, correct? Um, as far as retirements go, and I I know that the district uh got away from it where uh at the end of the school year, all retire all retirees were invited to a uh retirement party where they were all celebrated. uh it went from the superintendent all the way down to uh SRO's uh people who gave service. I think maybe uh it might be a nice [snorts] idea if we uh reinstituted that tradition. >> Sounds good. Thanks. >> All right, we'll go. >> Uh Mr. Brazil, >> yes. >> Mr. Casey, >> yes. >> Mrs. Chesik, >> yes. >> Miss Mrs. Clearary, >> yes. >> Miss Fox, >> yes. >> Miss Merkel, >> yes. Yes, >> Mr. Leky. >> Yes, >> Mr. Triano. >> Yes, >> Mr. Borthwick. >> Yes.
097>> Nine affirmative. [snorts] >> Okay. The next one is F2. Appro uh approval of the contract with Timothy Wolf as the chief of human re resources and labor relations. I so move. >> Second >> on the question. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Casey. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chzik. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Clearary, >> yes. >> Miss Fox, >> yes. >> Miss Merkel, >> yes. >> Mr. Zki, >> yes. >> Mr. Trio, >> yes. >> Mr. Brazil, >> yes. >> Mr. Borthwick, >> yes. >> Nine. Affirmative. >> There. Will there be an updated org chart on the interweb at some point? So, >> there will be um I got yelled at for putting it in grids in Word because I'm old and can't use some of the new things that exist. So, um, Sydney and I
098were working on one, but I I need to expand it out further. So, yes, there will absolutely be one. [snorts] I could share my novice one right now, but I need someone to help me make it fancier. >> Honest answer, sir. Thank you. >> Uh, F3, the approval of settlement agreement for employee number 1807. I so move. >> Second. >> Another question. >> Roll call. >> Mrs. Mr Ches, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clearary, >> yes. >> Miss Fox, >> yes. >> Miss Merkel, >> yes. >> Mr. Zleki, >> yes. >> Mr. Triano, >> yes. >> Mr. Brazil, >> yes. >> Mr. Casey, >> yes. >> Mr. Borick, >> yes. >> Nine. Affirmative. >> Uh, for uh number F4, the approval of aou with act 93 as per attached. I move. >> Second. Another question. >>
099I assume from our perspective there's no concerns with thisou or >> No, I vetted everything through legal. >> Okay. >> I like to try to write things though and send them to me and see how good of a lawyer I am and then see what I get sent back. >> How'd you do pretty good? >> I actually did pretty good on this one. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> All right. Roll call. >> Mrs. Clearary? >> Yes. >> Miss Fox? >> Yes. >> Miss Merkel? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lucky? >> Yes. Yes. Mr. Trio. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brazil. >> Yes. >> Mr. Casey. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chzik. >> Yes. >> Mr. Borthwick. >> Yes. >> Nine. Affirmative. >> Vendor relations. >> Okay. H4. We will have a motion to approve the purchase of data viz
100infinite campus premium product cost $27,513 annually plus the implementation cost $7,500 onetime fee equals $35,13. >> Second. on the question. >> Roll call. >> Miss Miss Fox, >> yes. >> Miss Merkel, >> yes. >> Mrs. Leky, >> yes. >> Mr. Triano, >> yes. >> Mr. Brazil, >> yes. >> Mr. Casey, >> yes. >> Mrs. Chess, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clearary, >> yes. >> Mr. Borthwick, >> yes. >> Nine. Affirmative. >> Okay. H5. Motion to approve Trafera for purchase of new line digital scoreboards for West Granton High School Gymnasium. Financial impact $81,549. >> Second >> On the question, um, if we decide to do updates to the Wesker Gymnasium in the future, these two digital scoreboards will be able to be used in that space. >> Yes, they can be removed. >> Okay. >> Beautiful. >>
101Right, Mr. Suma? Okay. Something that I answer and then I have to doubt myself. Right, Mr. Suma? >> All right. Roll call. >> Miss Merkel? >> Yes. >> Mr. Lucky? >> Yes. >> Mr. Triano? >> Yes. Mr. Brazil, >> yes. >> Mr. Casey, >> yes. >> Mrs. Chzik, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clearary, >> yes. >> Miss Fox, >> no. >> Mr. Borswick, >> yes. >> Eight affirmative, one negative. Motion passes. >> H6, approve the appointment of an architect on retainer with studio KLP at the below hourly rates. Principal $175 an hour. Project manager senior $165 an hour. Project architectineer, $165 an hour. Project manager, $150 an hour. Uh, project professional, $140 an hour. Expert witness, $350 an hour. Administrative support, $57 an hour. >> Second. >> Have a question. Um on the question under the
102hourly rates it says incurred direct expenses are in addition to the rates quoted and are reimburseable at cost such as telephone, meals, lodging, tolls, air or rail travel. Automobile travel will be invoiced at the most recent IRS standard mileage rates. I thought that was something we were kind of trying to avoid. Um I thought we when we talked about I know when we talked about um a previous contract and then I thought it was looking at this one too, but So, you haven't reviewed this? >> I I didn't know. >> Yeah, I didn't I I didn't look at the packet, but I'm happy to review it. This is the first I'm hearing about. >> This is a thing we really need to move on because it's very timeensitive. >> Based on what you just read,
103I'm not again. I mean, it sounds reasonable that those are sensible hourly rates. There's nothing that I I I I think if the if the if the will of the board is to go back to this vendor, ask them to strike the travel time, they would probably do that. I've done that as a vendor before. That's what we did with Quandell. Quandell proposed it. I went back and said the board doesn't want that. They struck it out. >> They're also based in downtown Scranton. [snorts] >> I think I wonder if that's what we're thinking of like with the Quandell. >> Okay. Yeah. I got you. >> Yeah. >> I will tell you that that was standard in the independent legal contract we had. That was the travel was part of that and mailing and paper
104and >> it is pretty standard but as a courtesies I think any of these prospective vendors if we ask them to be would be happy to >> maybe you know strike that or disclaim it. >> I don't think we've done that >> just as a point of I did contracts for 18 years with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This has always been a standard line item. a lot of times they don't execute it, but it is standard in the industry and um I can speak to that. I wrote contracts for 18 years and this is a standard and uh because we need to get moving uh I would suggest that we uh vote on this either up or down. Okay. >> Sure. I would just like to clarify my remarks. I understand that it's standard, but
105um we did make it a point to remove this previously. So that's why I brought it up because our last time we wanted this removed. >> You can approve a contingent on the contractor removing that. You can do it as you have lots of options, but I you know I think you could definitely move. Well, I'd like to I'd like to have it a vote on it first as is because we need to move on this. And I know that this is my second time that I spoke and according to Robert's rules, we're only allowed to speak to a subject twice. So, uh, if nobody else has any objections, I'd like to call for a vote >> on the original resolution. Okay, we'll call >> Mr. Leki. >> No. >> Mr. Triano, >> no. >>
106Mr. Brazil, >> yes. >> Mr. Casey, >> yes. >> Mrs. Chesik, >> yes. >> Mrs. Clearary, >> no. >> Ms. Fox, >> no. >> Ms. Merkel, >> yes. >> Mr. Boris, >> yes. >> Five affirmative, four negative. Motion passes. >> Okay. Um, okay. So, H8, motion to approve scoreboard media proposal. >> Second. >> Another question. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Triano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brazil? >> Yes. >> Mr. Casey? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chzik? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Clearary? >> Yes. >> Miss Fox? >> Yes. >> Miss Merkel? >> Yes. >> Mr. Zky? >> Yes. >> Mr. Borthwick? Yes. >> I affirm >> H9 approve the appointment of Mr. Robert Osborne as the clerk of the works construction inspectorate on 1099 contract at $85 an hour. >> Second. >> Another question. >> Roll call.
107>> Mr. Brazil? >> Yes. >> Mr. Casey? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chzik? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Clearary? >> No. >> Miss Fox? >> No. >> Mrs. Miss Merkel? >> Yes. Mr. Zki, >> yes. >> Mr. Triano, >> yes. >> Mr. Bourwick, >> yes. >> Seven affirmative, two negative. Motion passes. >> H10, approve the fee schedule of $345,000 for the Montichello K to3 property um Maple Street property not to exceed $345,000. This is based on an Intel $6, excuse me, $6 million design with an estimated 35,000 square feet of renovation. Second, >> that should say initial. Sorry, that was my title. >> On the question, >> um on the question, has the sale of this property been finalized? >> No. Uh I have to uh reach out and set a closing date with uh the sellers's
108attorney. Um we've been playing phone tag. Our agreement uh has us closing about the middle of February. Uh so we we we the parties just had to pick a date uh for settlement, but had not closed yet. So, is this like contingent upon us purchasing the building or? >> Well, we we we we've entered into an agreement. We passed our contingencies. We're locked in at this point to purchasing it. Meaning, if we didn't go to a closing, we could be sued and compelled to to buy it. So, at this point, there's not a lot of reason to retreat from the purchase. I think the next step is just to work with the seller and find the closing date. Yeah. I mean, we we haven't accomplished a closing, but we're we're through our our our due
109diligences and we have no more contractual exits that will be available to us. We've passed inspection uh and um we don't have uh I think a financing contingency pass. I think we just have to basically agree on a mutually acceptable closing date. Correct. >> Okay. I was just wondering if like any wording needed to be added for uh because we don't actually own the building yet or not, but um that's fine if you don't think so. >> You're right. contingent on on on us actually [laughter] closing on this and moving forward with it. Of course, >> and then just my last question. Um just if you can look at the there's an AR about us leasing school property. Um and I understand that we're not we already agreed to lease this part of the space
110to that to that. So I don't know if we need to suspend that AR or review that AR. Um it says that we have to go through this whole process to lease our property. Um so I don't know if maybe if you could pull that up when >> I'm happy to look at that. I should bring that to my attention. >> Of course. So, do we need a friendly amendment that just states that this is contingent >> contingent on on the closing occurring foods property? >> Okay. Can I get a friendly amendment? >> Friendly amendment. A second. >> Okay. On the question. >> All right. Roll call on the friendly amendment. >> Mr. Casey? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chzik? >> Yes. >> Miss Clearary? >> Yes. >> Miss Fox? >> Yes. >> Miss Merkel? >>
111Yes. >> Mr. Zky? >> Yes. >> Mr. Triano? >> Yes. >> Mr. Brazil? >> Yes. >> Mr. Borthwick? >> Yes. >> Nine affirmative. >> Okay. Okay. And then that takes us back to the now amended motion. Um, I already had my second, so I can just go straight to roll call. >> Mrs. Chzik, >> yes. >> Miss Mrs. Clearary, >> yes. >> Miss Fox, >> no. >> Miss Merkel, >> yes. >> Mr. Zucky, >> yes. >> Mr. Trio, >> yes. >> Mr. Brazil, >> yes. >> Mr. Casey, >> yes. >> Mr. Borthwick, >> yes. >> Eight affirmative, one negative. Motion passes. >> Right. Um, just for the president's report, I'll keep it light. Um I I said during my first meeting that we would have a lot on the docket. There's a lot of good
112things happening and I want to point out that you know we we begin these meetings by showcasing what is going on in the district. Director Casey talked about highlighting the good things that go on in the Scranton School District and I think we're doing an excellent job of that. Um a lot of what you hear uh in terms of our even our motions and what we're passing is about growth. It's about adding programs. It's about doing what's best for our kids. So I want to commend everybody who is part of that process. everybody, administration, um all of our teachers, staff, and all of my fellow board members. Thank you to everybody. >> All right. Uh new business. >> All right. Motion to adjurnn. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Bob for the first time. It's great.